Nagle Catholic College visits Gnaraloo

Recently we had our first school visit from Nagle Catholic College. It was great to share our knowledge with the curious students, who were eager to learn about sea turtle conservation and about our project here at Gnaraloo with the Gnaraloo Turtle Conservation Program.

We started with a presentation about turtles and detailed some of the aspects of the work we do here. The students listened carefully, participated in the presentation, and were very interested in learning about turtles.

Turtle presentation

Students filling out the Data Sheets

The following days the students and teachers joined us on Day Surveys. The excitement they showed when they saw their first turtle tracks was so rewarding. They participated in every aspect of data collection: one taking charge of measuring the track width with the tape measure, one checking the GPS co-ordinates, one writing down the data, one taking photos, everyone having a go at identifying the turtle species, and working phenomenally as a team.

At night we took the students and teachers to Gnaraloo Bay Rookery to join us on our Night Surveys. This is the first year that we have had a school participate in Night Surveys. The students braved the dark walk along the steep dunes trying to avoid stepping on the crabs that swarmed the beach. Unfortunately, the turtles were shy on the patrol nights and we were disappointed that the students did not have the opportunity to observe turtles first hand.

On our walks we got to know the students and hear their wishes and ambitions for the future. The GTCP team is sure that that you will all accomplish so much, just remember to follow your passions, and do what you love.

We had great time with the Nagle students! We wish you the best of luck in the future and we will be happy to see you again (maybe next time we will see the turtles in action!).